Members of the Madison County Area Realty Association are completing improvements to the home of a Plain City family that has endured many challenges.
(Posted June 14, 2018)
By Linda Dillman, Staff Writer
A group of volunteers have banded together to fix up a home and make life better for the mother and daughter living there.
Members of the Madison County Area Realty Association (MCARA) spent the morning of June 6 weeding, mowing and planting flowers at the Plain City area home as part of an annual Realtor Care Day event.
Seventeen volunteers assembled at the site with shovels, pitchforks, landscaping fabric and yards of mulch. They got to work under bright blue skies, tearing out sod and bringing brightness to the family.
Plastic tubs were carried inside the home to help with immediate storage needs for the family, who moved in less than a year ago after experiencing a death in the family, job loss, homelessness and chronic health issues.
“We have so many hands to help. This is going to be a multi-day process and a long project,” said organizer Jenna Webster.
“After we’re done with the landscaping and exterior work, we’re going to bring in general contractors like electricians and plumbers to rehab the interior. We purchased a new washer, dryer and stove and are donating personal items, in addition to the landscaping. Then we’ll finish up by painting the exterior.”
Work on the project started months ago after MCARA contacted the Daily Needs Assistance program in Plain City, asking if they could recommend a family who could use some help. Webster said she was brought to tears following her first visit with the family, who has endured so many challenges.
Kate Crager-Tobin said MCARA routinely participates in Realtor Care Day, a national event focused on community service. In recent years, the group has given away smoke detectors in London and West Jefferson and provided landscaping and financial assistance for improvements at Cowling Park in London.
“This is the biggest project we’ve done so far,” Crager-Tobin said about the Plain City endeavor. “We were looking for someone who really needed help. As realtors, we serve the community on a daily basis, and this project is a way to give back to the community and pay it forward.”
While landscaping costs were covered for the day, Webster said she is unsure how much the interior work will cost.
“They need a new floor, paint, electrical work, and plumbing,” she said. “We’re just waiting on the professional trades to tell us. The faster we can get them in, the faster we can help the family.”
Financial, service, in-kind and home-related donations are needed to finish the project. For more information on how to donate, contact Webster at (614) 886-4567 or Crager-Tobin at (614) 588-3851.
